A thirsty person must bend down, lower a bucket into the well, and draw the water up. Knowledge works the same way. Krishna says: seek it through three means — pranipata (humble surrender to the teacher), pariprasna (sincere, open questioning), and seva (selfless service). Those who have realized the truth will then share their knowledge with you.
Ego cannot receive wisdom. A cup turned upside down catches no rain. The three qualities Krishna names — humility, genuine curiosity, and devoted service — together create the vessel that can hold what the guru offers. All three must be present. Humility without inquiry is blind obedience. Inquiry without service is intellectual tourism. Service without humility is transaction.